History of Utah Valley University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2026

Utah Valley University (UVU) is a public university located in Orem, Utah. It provides a range of academic programs, including master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees, along with certificates. Formerly Utah Valley State College, it gained university status in 2008. With a large student body of over 48,000 students as of fall 2025, UVU is the largest university in Utah by enrollment and a significant institution in the Rocky Mountain region.

1941: Central Utah Vocational School Founded

In 1941, the Central Utah Vocational School was founded in Provo when the Utah State Vocational Office consolidated federal work program classes into one campus.

1963: Name Changed to Utah Trade Technical Institute

In 1963, the school's name was changed to Utah Trade Technical Institute to reflect its changing role.

1967: Became Utah Technical College in Provo

In 1967, the school became Utah Technical College in Provo and was authorized to confer associate degrees for the first time.

1976: Vocational Accreditation Granted

In 1976, vocational accreditation was granted to UVU by the Utah State Office of Vocational Education.

1977: Moved to Orem Location

In 1977, the institution began relocating to its current location at the junction of I-15 and University Parkway in Orem.

1987: Became Utah Valley Community College

In 1987, the institution became known as Utah Valley Community College.

1990: Vocational Accreditation Renewed

In 1990, UVU's vocational accreditation was renewed by the Utah State Office of Vocational Education.

1993: Named Utah Valley State College

In 1993, the school was named Utah Valley State College and began awarding four-year degrees.

1995: Vocational Accreditation Renewed Again

In 1995, the vocational accreditation was renewed again by the Utah State Office of Vocational Education.

1996: David O. McKay Events Center built

In 1996, the David O. McKay Events Center, now the Utah Community Credit Union Center, was built with a seating capacity of 8,500.

2005: Building Style

Prior to 2005, Each building has been built using the same style of exposed reinforced concrete with masonry infill walls with all of the major buildings on campus connected by 30-foot-wide (9.1 m) concourses.

September 2006: Construction of Digital Learning Center

In September 2006, construction began on a new Digital Learning Center (DLC) to replace the Losee Resource Center (library).

December 2006: School of Business Received AACSB Accreditation

In December 2006, the UVU School of Business received initial accreditation from the AACSB.

February 2007: Legislature Approved University Status

In February 2007, the Utah legislature approved elevating UVSC to a university, effective July 1, 2008.

July 1, 2008: UVSC became UVU

On July 1, 2008, Utah Valley State College officially became Utah Valley University (UVU).

July 2008: Attained University Status

In July 2008, Utah Valley State College achieved university status, becoming Utah Valley University (UVU).

June 30, 2009: UVU Review Publication

On June 30, 2009, the student-run weekly newspaper, the UVU Review, began publishing under that name, the day before the university transition became official.

August 2009: Mobile Command Center Unveiled

In August 2009, UVU unveiled a Mobile Command Center, acquired by federal grants, for fire training.

2010: College Dance Championship Winner

In 2010, the UVU Ballroom Dance Company won the first-ever College Dance Championship on ABC's TV series Dancing With The Stars.

2011: AACSB Accreditation Maintained

In 2011, the UVU School of Business maintained its AACSB accreditation.

2012: Science Building Opened

In the summer of 2012, the UVU Science Building opened, featuring study rooms with glass whiteboards and a new Anatomy Lab with improved ventilation.

2013: KCACTF Award for 'Vincent in Brixton'

In 2013, UVU won the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival's Outstanding Production of a Play award for 'Vincent in Brixton' by Nicholas Wright.

2014: KCACTF Award for 'Next to Normal'

In 2014, UVU won the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival's Outstanding Production of a Musical award for the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Next to Normal', with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt.

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2016: Student Representation

In 2016, UVU students represented all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and 74 countries.

2016: Library Renamed Fulton Library

In 2016, the library was renamed Fulton Library following a donation from Ira A. Fulton and Mary Lou Fulton.

2017: Student Section Renamed "The Den"

In the beginning of the 2017–18 school year, the UVU student section was changed to "The Den", previously known as Mighty Athletic Wolverine League (MAWL).

2018: Largest University in Utah

As of Fall 2018, UVU was reported as the largest university in the state for the fourth year in a row, with 39,931 students.

2018: Astrid S. Tuminez Becomes President

In 2018, Astrid S. Tuminez was selected by the Utah State Board of Regents as the institution's seventh president and the university's first female president.

2021: Forbes US Ranking

As of 2021, UVU held a US ranking of #369 according to Forbes.

2022: U.S. News & World Report Ranking

For 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked UVU #94-#122 in "Regional Universities West" and #114 in Social Mobility for that region's universities.

2023: Young Living Alumni Center Opened

In the fall of 2023, the Young Living Alumni Center opened. Young Living donated $4.5 million toward its completion.

September 10, 2025: Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot on Campus

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on the UVU campus during an American Comeback Tour event. He was struck in the neck and died later that afternoon. The campus was closed until September 15.